Warning! Long post.
Like everyone here, I look forward to brand new models being released. So I've been looking forward to some new VIP models this year from Aoshima. And by new, I mean completely new cars, not an existing car re-released with a new body kit, as nice as those are. In particular, the Nissan F50 Cima/Infinity Q45, Nissan Y34 Cedric/Infinity M45, and the Toyota UZZ40 Soarer/Lexus SC430. They've been out for a couple of years and have good aftermarket support now, and several tuner/VIP versions have been profiled in the various VIP magazines.
I've asked them about this awhile back, and I know that other people have been asking to. They even added a blurb on their VIP Cars homepage in response to questions about the F50 Cima, "Regrettable, for the present with there is noschedule of merchandising."
So I asked them again recently, same answer with the added news that they are devoting resources on pumping out their newly released 1/43 diecast lineup of VIP cars.
They did release one new car this year, Toyota UZS151 Crown Majesta (which does look nice and I will probably pick one up), but it was replaced by a newer Crown Majesta back in 1998. Last year they gave us the Toyota Century, the model from 1990-1994. Would it be too much to ask for a newer model car, one thats for sale now? It only took them 2 years to get the latest Celsior into plastic form from when it hit the streets.
Yes, I know, the modeling community bitching and whining about model companies not making this kit or that kit is old news. Been there done that. Still, I had to say it. And once again the plastic modelers pushed aside in favor of the more profitable diecast market. Making money is fine, but Aoshima's been making plastic models for a long time. I recently found some Aoshima 1/8 scale home audio equipment made back in the 80's on Yahoo! Japan. How about a little love for those that helped them get this far?
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07-15-2004, 05:42 PM
